Vincent Herring: Early On [Evidence/Dawnbird]

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: August 1, 1999

Genius in the Shadows. Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson gets more press, Sherman Irby more exposure, but perhaps more talented than both is Vincent Herring. Early On joins Herring’s early recordings from the Landmark label ( Evidence and Dawnbird ), which was purchased by Joel Dorn and Bob Miller’s 32 Jazz Records. These recordings find the 35 year old altoist’s composing and playing equally well developed. His alto tone is controlled and consistent, more Julian Adderley than Oliver Nelson, more Oliver Nelson than Johnny Hodges.

Mulgrew and Co.. Under appreciated Mulgrew Mill joins Herring on both recordings. Miller provides a calm center and direction. Also common to both discs is the impeccable Wallace Roney, Carl Allen, and Ira Coleman. All stars and towering talents. The music has a big sound, bigger than is expected from a small group. Herring’s choice of material is refreshing, choosing the compositions of superior pianists (Kenny Barron’s “Voyage”, Cedar Walton’s “Hindsight”, Mulgrew Miller’s “Soul-Leo” and Mike Nock’s “Dawnbird”. Herring and band render a provocative reading of Buster Williams’ “Toku Do”.

On His Way. Certainly one of the gratifying things to Mr. Herring would be that this music is finding itself in re-release so recently after it was originally marketed. This trend is also occurring in the classical music market. It is nice that capitalism enables the music buyer the choices of such fine music for such an accessible price. Viva La Musica!

Track Listing (Evidence):Mr. Wizard; I Sing a Song; Stars Fell On Alabama; Voyage; Hindsight; Never Forget; Evidence; Soul-Leo (Total Playing Time 61:51).

Track Listing (Dawnbird):Sound Check; August Afternoon; Almost Always; Toku Do; Dawnbird; Dr. Jamie; Who's Kidding Who; The Dark Side of Dewey (Total Playing Time 53:23).

Personnel (Evidence):Vincent Herring: Alto Saxophone; Wallace Roney: Trumpet; Mulgrew Miller: Piano; Ira Coleman: Bass; Carl Allen: Drums.

Personnel (Dawnbird):Vincent Herring: Alto and Soprano Saxophones; Wallace Roney, Scott Wendholt: Trumpet; Mulgrew Miller, Keven Hayes: Piano; Ira Coleman, Dwayne Burno: Bass; Billy Drummond, Carl Allen: Drums.

Record Label: 32 Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream